November is here, bringing with it a heightened awareness of the benefits of being grateful with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. We, here at Luxury Apts WNY, appreciate members of our apartment community living in homes at Autumn Creek Apartments, Renaissance Place Apartments, StoneGate Apartment Homes, and Windsong Place Apartments in the Williamsville and East Amherst area. Today we are sharing some of the benefits derived from being grateful, plus some ideas about how to express gratitude not only this month but all year long.
Benefits of Expressing Gratitude
Improves Physical Health
According to a 2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences, grateful people report feeling healthier than other people and they experience fewer aches and pains. Grateful individuals are also more likely to take better care of their health by doing things like exercising often and attending regular check-ups with their doctor, which will ultimately lead to a longer life.
Enhances Empathy and Reduces Aggression
Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D. has conducted multiple studies on the effects of gratitude on well-being. Gratitude helps to reduce toxic emotions like anger, envy, and frustration. Research has confirmed that gratitude helps to promote happiness and reduce depression, though it still remains unknown how exactly.
Promotes Better Sleep
Grateful people sleep better according to a 2011 study that was published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. Something as simple as taking 15 minutes to write down a few thoughts of gratitude before bed may help you sleep better and longer.
Ideas for Expressing Gratitude
Keep a gratitude journal. Make it a habit to write down or share with someone you love thoughts about the gifts, blessings, or simple life pleasures you’ve received or enjoyed each day.
Make a Daily Gratitude Post for a Month on Social Media
Chances are social media is a daily part of your life. Harness that habit and use it to promote gratitude. During the day, post at least one thing you are grateful for and why. Not only will you be releasing happy feel-good endorphins for yourself, but you will also be brightening others’ day too.
Change the way you speak.
If there are areas you think your speech could improve, make those changes. Changing how you react verbally to something helps you control your temper and be more of a happy, calm person. That attitude will help you see other people and life challenges as not things that threaten you, but as things you can learn from and appreciate.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in our WNY apartment community! Thank you for taking the time to read our post today!